AFBF to recognize local innovation

County Farm Bureaus and local Farm Bureau members are invited to apply for an opportunity to be recognized by American Farm Bureau Federation for outstanding Farm Bureau programs and innovations.

AFBF’s County Farm Bureau Activities of Excellence (CAE) Program is designed to recognize and share successful county Farm Bureau programs and activities across the nation. Fifteen county Farm Bureaus will be selected to present a display of their winning activity during the AFBF Annual Meeting Showcase, Jan. 10-11, 2010 in Seattle. Selected counties will receive $2,000 cash toward expenses incurred to participate in the CAE program. Last year, Shelby and Tuscarawas counties were among the winners and represented their county Farm Bureaus at AFBF’s annual meeting in San Antonio.

AFBF also sponsors the Farmer Idea Exchange contest, which is designed for surface innovations, equipment modifications, innovative crops, marketing techniques, management systems and farming practices developed by farmers and ranchers. Up to 15 ideas from around the country will be selected to be displayed during the AFBF Annual Meeting Showcase in Seattle.

The application deadline for both programs is Sept. 4. Contact your county Farm Bureau for more details or search “CAE” at www.ofbf.org.